Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Water Softener Installation
Water Softener Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Water Softener Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Water Softener Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Water Softener Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Water Softener Installation labor cost? What are the important Water Softener Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Water Softener Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Water Softener Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Water Softener Installation expect to pay between $79.88 to $146.44 for each water softener. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Water Softener Installation work? | Design approval and permits from your local building department are not required for Water Softener Installation. If your home is subject to homeowner association (HOA) covenants, you should verify that your Water Softener Installation project complies with association guidelines. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Water Softener Installation work? | The operation and performance of the water softener may be adversely affected by inexperience or poor installation techniques. Hire service providers for Water Softener Installation carefully and be sure to tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (from the list below). |
| Is Water Softener Installation something that I can do myself? | The typical Water Softener Installation project involves tasks that are best performed by experienced professionals. Good quality Water Softener Installation requires considerable experience, skill and attention to detail. Do it yourself mistakes are noticeable, may be difficulty to remedy and may actually reduce the market value of the project and your home. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Water Softener Installation work? | Normally, this work can be completed in 1 day. |
Water Softener Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Water Softener Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Water Softener Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- A detailed water softener layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- Horizontal and vertical edges of adjacent water softener will be aligned to within 1/16 inch
- Install water softener with horizontal edges level and vertical edges plumb to within 1/32 inch
- Water softener will be installed so that the water softener base/trim is solidly attached and attached completely flush to the mounting surface
- The water softener will be solidly attached and not slide, rock, twist or move when used
- All work must meet or exceed local code requirements
- Installed water softener will be level to within 1/64 inch in any 2 foot direction
- All water softener operating methods and options work properly, at manufacturer's rated capacity
- The water softener, its connections and fittings will be verified 100% leak-free under all operating conditions
- The water softener will operate without noise, excessive heat generation or degradation of other circuit components
- The water softener surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
Water Softener Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Water Softener Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the water softener work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Select, specify and order water softener; verify that type, grade, finish, size, color, any options, and quantity are clearly identified in the order; make sure that delivery date, terms and damage provisions are included in the order
- Manage delivery of water softener; verify that delivered model #, grade, finish, size, options, and quantity match the order precisely; thoroughly inspect all items for damage and proper operation; make or authorize final payment only after complete order is delivered
- Install water softener using manufacturer supplied hardware, in compliance manufacturer recommendations and applicable local building code(s)
- Connect water softener to electrical power using grounded receptacle or hardwired connection in closed junction box, as per manufacturer's instructions
- Attach water softener to water supply using connectors rated for appropriate temperature, pressure and flow rate
- Connect water softener to drain / waste line in manner compliant with all local building codes
- Connect water softener to exhaust venting system in manner that is compliant with all local building codes
- Inspect Water Softener Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Collect and neatly organize in a single binder all product installation and maintenance documentation, receipts, and any rebate information
- Carefully remove all manufacturers labels and clean the water softener surfaces - without scraping, scratching or otherwise damaging the water softener
- Submit final payment; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes
